Rookie looking for help picking a resort

sbrost13 · Apr 19, 2015

We're squeezing in a trip to Universal, and none of my family has ever been to Universal, so I'm looking for some advice. We're planning to check in on Wednesday, July 15 and check out on Thursday, July 16. We definitely want to stay onsite and are planning on getting 2-day base park tickets. Our family is me and the hubby, and 2 kids (10 & 7). Here are my main questions:
Which resort should we stay in? Don't think we'd go with the most expensive resort, but might be able to convince the husband if express passes are a must

Can you pool hop to other resorts?

Which hotel is best for transportation to the parks?

Is the express pass totally necessary for when we'll be there? We're used to planning Disney vacations and will definitely take advantage of the early entry- we love to rope drop at Disney.

How much planning will we need to do in the parks? I know it's not as necessary as when we're at Disney.

Thanks in advance!

macraven · Apr 19, 2015

pool hopping is allowed for the onsite hotel guests.

i would say express pass would be needed as you are going during the height of summer.
expect long lines and crowds.

the deluxe hotels are all within walking distance and also provide a water taxi from hotel to city walk boat dock.
the two parks are between this area.
no more than a couple of minutes walk to the parks from the dock.
and, very easy to walk from the deluxe hotels to the park/city walk.

read the stickies about the hotels.
start at the end and go backwards as there is a lot of changed policies from when the stickies first started.

check the uo website for hotel prices for your one night stay.

book when you know you have a date set.
there will come a time where the standard rooms will be sold out and you will need to pay more the the next category of rooms.
(standard water view, etc)

damo · Apr 19, 2015

That is peak time. Crowds are high. I would definitely stay at one of the three deluxe resorts and take advantage of the unlimited express pass that is included. Royal Pacific and Hard Rock are easy walking distance from the parks.

startingtopanic · Apr 19, 2015

We have only stayed at Cabana Bay, but I will say this:

For one night, and only two days in the parks, the Unlimited Express passes that you can get from one of the deluxe hotels should be an absolute MUST. You will have such a more enjoyable experience that way.

We visited the Portofino Bay hotel for the gluten-free pizza (and a killer ice cream sundae) -- and it was beautiful. TOO beautiful for our "somewhat hillbilly" family. LOL. It is a little further from the parks, but the water taxi ride is nice and peaceful. The path to walk there is beautiful, too. And, they also have bicycle taxis that go back and forth.

My opinion is that ANY of the deluxe hotels will be amazing. Take a look at the prices, photos, and see which one appeals to you most. I haven't heard anything really bad about any of them!

sbrost13 · Apr 20, 2015

Thanks for the advice so far! Anyone stayed at Hard Rock Hotel? Portofino looks gorgeous, but not sure we want to spend that much. Hard Rock seems like a good compromise. My kids are somewhat pool snobs so a good pool slide is important to them.

wookiebeck · Apr 20, 2015

The fav resort pool for my family is the PBR. The slide is great and never gets old. The grounds of PBR are beautiful, so much better than HRH. The higher price at PBR does get you larger rooms, too. You get what you pay for.

RPR has a great kids play & spray area in the pool, but no slide. They also have the smallest rooms by sq footage, that is why they are cheapest cost.

macraven · Apr 20, 2015

if you stay at any of the deluxe hotels, you can pool hop to the others.

pick the hotel you think would be best for you and pool hop to pbr if you are not staying there.

rlduvall · Apr 20, 2015

I agree that Express Pass is absolutely critical for that time frame, especially in light of the fact that you are staying only one night. If I was in your situation, I would most likely go with the cheapest of the 3 Deluxe Hotels. Usually, but not always, that is RPR. We are staying only 2 nights in late May and chose RPR because of its proximity to the park, as well as lower cost. Honestly, pool hopping shouldn't be a real issue because you are there such a short time; unless you are willing to give up alot of valuable park time. Have fun whichever resort you choose.

sbrost13 · Apr 20, 2015

Thanks for your replies. Another question - how early can we check in? I realize our room won't be ready until 4:00, but we want to check in and take advantage of the early entry on our check in day. I'm assuming it's similar to Disney World in that you can check in as early as 6:00am?

We're leaning towards doing one of the deluxe hotels so we get the express pass.

macraven · Apr 20, 2015

you can check in at 6:00 am.
many have done that.

check in, get your photo express pass made and store your luggage with valet.

then head to the park.......

Duanerice · Apr 23, 2015

I'd recommend RPR too. Just got back. Loved that it was walking distance and MUCH cheaper than the Hard Rock. Very nice resort. You won't be disappointed.

johde · Apr 24, 2015

sbrost13 said:
We definitely want to stay onsite and are planning on getting 2-day base park tickets. Our family is me and the hubby, and 2 kids (10 & 7). Here are my main questions:

One thing to remember, to ride the Hogwarts Express, you need park to park tickets. Also, the parks are close enough to each other that park hopping is quick and easy.

Rookie looking for help picking a resort

sbrost13

Mouseketeer

macraven

Proud Redhead

damo

Proud Redhead

startingtopanic

~No longer in a panic~

sbrost13

Mouseketeer

wookiebeck

Fan of both WDW and USO

macraven

Proud Redhead

rlduvall

DIS Veteran

sbrost13

Mouseketeer

macraven

Proud Redhead

Duanerice

DIS Veteran

johde

DIS Veteran

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